Design and Technology
Purpose and Aims
Design and technology is a practical subject and at St John’s our pupils are expected to create, design and make a variety of products demonstrating progress and attainment throughout their time at the school. The National Curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:
- develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
- build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
- critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
- understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.
Throughout this subject pupils will learn to evaluate a range of designs from the past and present and have an understanding of the impact high-quality design and technology has on people’s lives and the environment.
Pupils are expected to use discussion, research and previous experiences as well as their sketch books to generate, develop and communicate their ideas.
Our design and technology scheme is taught over a series of ‘D&T days’ that take place over the course of the year. Designing, making and practical proficiency are built upon year on year and pupils are expected to develop the ability to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and the work of others. The following three areas are taught to every class throughout the year:
- Textiles (e.g. joining processes, sewing, pattern making & cutting, finishing)
- Mechanisms and control (e.g. gears, pulleys, cams, levers, wheels and axles)
- Food technology (e.g. food preparation, nutrition, cooking, seasonality, healthy diet)
In addition the following area is taught to every Key Stage 2 class:
Electronics (e.g. switches, bulbs, buzzers, motors)